Sports-ville wishlist cost is ‘a shock’

The ‘‘Sports-ville’’ complex proposed at Ngatitoa Domain may be scaled back after the feasibility study estimated a $20 million cost. A consortium, which includes representatives from ParemataPlimmerton Rugby Club, Plimmerton Bowling Club, Plimmerton Creche, Cricket Wellington, and a number of other sports clubs, want to build a multiuse sports and community facility at the domain in the next five to 10 years.

Along with new playing areas and a new layout – a ring road and easier access for pedestrian and traffic – there would be a modern bar, meeting rooms, storage areas and changing rooms available for use. A steering committee would eventually evolve into an organised governance structure to run the facility and make it a focal point for sport and recreation in Porirua’s northern suburbs.

Last week they provided an update to Porirua City councillors. Sports-ville consortium chairperson Michael Lovett said they want to ‘‘step up’’ their planning by appointing a project manager, at a cost of $30,000 a year.

‘‘We’ve operated to this point through volunteers, but there’s only so much we can do without someone working on this fulltime.’’

The council provided $10,000 to aid the feasibility study with a Lotteries grant covering the rest and Mr Lovett hoped the council could find funds in the LTP for the project manager. He envisaged that, in the long term, PCC could pay for 5 per cent of Sports-ville.

Councillor Ken Douglas called the concept ‘‘platinum-plated’’ and believed it should be built in stages over a number of years.

The feasibility study coming back with a price tag of $20m was a shock, Mr Lovett told Kapi-mana News after the meeting.

A reconfigured design that included more community groups and an artificial turf would be developed and he said private investors would be involved so ratepayers would not be burdened.

‘‘The council meeting was about showing them where we’re at and continuing to plant the seed. We’re asking for support in principle and in kind, because without it we can’t go forward.’’

Mr Lovett hoped to have an indication on PCC’S support before October.

Welcome to Sports-ville: Conceptual designs created as part of the feasibility study show off a modern bar area that would provide excellent viewing to the natural and artificial fields outside. Grand plan: The bird’s-eye artist’s impression shows new...